Apparatus for the manufacture of finned structures



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APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FINNED STRUCTURES "1'7 She ts-sneak Filed March 19, 1958 ivaai INVENTOR,

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Oct. 14, 1941.

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APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FINNED STRUCTURES Filed Mar c m 19, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 12 Oct. 14, 1941. L. u. LARKIN 2,258,618

APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FINNED STRUCTURES F iled March 19, 1938 17 Sheet- -Sheet 1;

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| u. LARKIN 2,258,618

APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FINNED STRUCTURES Oct. 14, 1941.

1'7 Sheets-Sheet 15 Filed March -19, 1938 Mi 7 Q M wwvsz r/ A? c i ATTORNEY.

Oct. 14, 1941. 1.. u. LARKIN 2,258,518

APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE; OF'FINNEDSTRUCTURES Filed March 19, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet-l6 L- 1 @48 W W i z/- 1% I f flz 4 U E? I 1 ENTOEQ; +44 M Y Oct. 14, 1941a u, LARKlN 2,258,618

APPARATUS FOR THEMANUFACTURE OF FINNED STRUCTURES Filed'March 19, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 17 Q kf a F L i655 TBY I W Patented Oct. 14, 1941 1 APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FINNED STRUCTURE$ Lester U. Larkin, Baltimore, Md., asslgnor to Lul Products, Inc., Baltimore, Md., a corporation of Maryland Application March 19, 1938, Serial No. 196,881

(or. 21H) 20 Claims.

My invention relates to the art of automatic machines. More specifically, my invention relates to an improved apparatus for the manufac ture of an improved finned heat exchange coil, particularly adapted for use as an evaporator in a mechanical refrigerating system. Among the objects of my invention is to provide automatic machinery for manufacturing finned coils and like structures; which is relatively easy to operate and does not require skilled labor, may be operated by a single operator with minimum attention, may be readily assembled or disassembled for shipment, may be installed in a small space, has relatively small fioor load. does not require special or expensive foundations, requires but a small amount of power for operation, and is capable of rapidly manufacturing finned coils of any desired dimensions of coil length, fin size and fin spacing in a room having normal ceiling height.

Commercial refrigerators are constructed in a I multitude of sizes and shapesand are used for I many different purposes requiring difierent temperature levels, and as a result it has. become the established practice in the industry for the cabinets and the evaporator coils to be made by" dif-, ferent manufacturers. Consequently after the various factors,aifecting the size of theevaporator have been determined for each individual installation, the proper coil is ordered from a coil manufacturer, who maintains a'factory for making coils. This not only entails delays incident to shipping, but involves additional excarriage for depositing fins, including a motor for both driving the carriage and for driving a fin depositing member, with automatic means for shifting the connection hetween the motor and the carriage drive and between the motor and the fin depositing member so that the carriage remains stationary until a fin has been deposited,

v whereupon it is moved a predetermined, but varipense, as .a completed coil is bulky and must be I carefully crated in order to avoid damage.

However, due to its low' cost and simplicity of operation, an automatic machine in accordance with my invention may be supplied to a dealer orv jobber, wherebyhe may construct coils of various shapes and sizes as they are required for each installation. In this way, not only is' there considerable saving in time, but freight costs are materially reduced as the parts necessary for the constructionof a coil may be shipped much cheaper than a completed coil.

, Further objects of myinvention are to provide,

in a machine of the type above referred to, im-

proved automatic means for depositing fins of various sizes in variable spaced relationship, and for retaining the deposited, fins, improved means whereby a tube may be placed in position extending through apertures in said fins and the tube thereafter expanded to secure the fins' in place thereon.

Another object of my invention is'toprovide a $5 able distance, and then deposits another fin. My invention also'includes means for automatically stopping both the travel of the carriage and the operation of the fin depositing member after a predetermined number of fins have been deposited. 3

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification. In the description, the various elements have in general been given more or less specific terms in order that the description may be more readily understood, but it is not intended that any specific terminology shall limit the scope of the disclosure and the specific terms are intended to include all equivalent elements. As will appear more in detail hereinafter'the machine in accordance with my invention may be said to include four principal parts, namely,-

a inain frame, a run-out frame, a fin depositing carriage and tube expander mechanism. The frames are preferably made of structural steel, the run-out frame being a continuation of the main frame. .The fin depositing carriage is arranged to travel on the main frame; while the expander mechanism moves along both frames. Although the particular run-out frame and expander mechanism illustrated forms no part of the invention as herein claimed, and could be replaced byother apparatus performing similar functions, it is described herein in order to provide a more complete understanding of my invention.

Suitably supported along the main frame are spaced substantially parallel comb members forming a comb trough. The fin depositing carriage is mounted to travel on a track carried by the main frame the track being so arranged that the carriage travels over the comb trough. A' rack is also secured to the main frame'and is engaged by a pinion on the carriage, there being an electric motor on the carriage for driving the pinion, which consequently causes the carriage to travel on the track. The carriage also includes a fin magazine and means operated by the electric motor for transferring one fin at a the comb trough, and so on.

time from the magazine to the comb trough. Automatic mechanism is provided for altemate- 1y connecting the motor with the fin transferring mechanism and with the pinion for driving the carriage-whereby a fin is transferred-to the comb trough, the carriage is caused to travel a predetermined distance, another fin is deposited in This results in a series of finsbeing deposited in spaced relation-# ship in the comb trough. Means are provided for varying the distance through which the carriage travels between each fin transferring operation, which, of'course, varies the spacing at which the fins are deposited in the comb trough. The carriage carries automatic mechanism for terminating its operation after a predetermined number of fins have been transferred to the trough. This mechanism cooperates with structure which may be secured in the path of travel of the carriage at any point along the comb trough, the point at which this structure is se-.

cured determining the number of fins which will be deposited.

The fins are formed with one or more apertures through which tubing is inserted after the fins have been transferred to the comb trough and while the fins are still retained in parallel position therein. Clamping means is provided on the main frame for retaining such tubing against lengthwise displacement with respect to the fins. With the tubing thus held in place, it may be expanded so as to fit tightly within the apertures, thus fixing the fins on the tubing.

The main frame also supports a liftingbar for removing the fins and tubes after the latter have been expanded so as to form with the fins an integral unit.

The above, and other related apparatus, is described hereinafter in detail, and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings,'of which:

Figs. 1 through 7 constitute a top view of the frame of themain machine for manufacturing finned coils;

Figs. 8 through 14 are cross-sectional views taken on the corresponding section lines of Figs. 1 through 7, respectively, and each figure is taken on the line (8-I4) (-8-l4) of Fig. 18;

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken on the lines I-l5 of Fig. 8 and Fig. 16;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken onthe line JG-IS of Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a side viewof the fin depositing carriage mounted on the frame;

Fig. 18 is a rear end view of the carriage, the frame being shown in section along the line I8-I8 ofFig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken on the of the carriage Fig. 27 is a side view of the carriage looking from the opposite side than that of Fig. 17 ,and is taken on the lines 21-21 of Figs. 25 and 29;

Fig. 28 is a side view of a portion of an index wheel forming part of the carriage;

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view, on enlarged scale, taken on the lines 29-29 of Figs. 1'7, 25, 27 and. 30;

Fig.'30 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 30-30 in Fig. 29; 1 v

Fig. 31 is an enlarged view of a detail shown in Fig. 30;

Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken on the lines 32-32 of Figs. 29 and 30;

Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 33-33 of Fig. 29;

Fig. 34 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on the lines 34-34 of Figs. 27, 36 and 37;

Fig. 34a is a fragmentary view taken on line Fig. 37 is a top view of the device shown in Fig. 36; i 4

Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken on the lines 38-38 of Figs. 34 and 37;

Fig. 39 is an elevational view showing certain of the parts illustrated in Fig. 29, but in different relative positions;

lines Iii-l9 of Figs.'1 and 20, but includes certain structure not shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken on the lines 20-20 of Figs. 8 and 19, but includes certain structure not shown in Fig. 8;

Fig: 21 is a cross-sectional-view taken on the line 2l-2l ofFig. 4;.

Fig. 2215 a cross-sectional view taken on the line 22-22 of Fig. 21

Fig. 23 is across-sectional view taken on the 0 lines 23-23 of Figs. 11 and 21;

Fig.24 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 24-24 of Fig. 25, but includes a. member now shown in Fig. 25;

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the'carriage taken on the. lines 25-25 of Figs. 17, 18, and 29; Fig. 26' is a cross-sectional view'ot a portion i Fig. 40 is similarto Fig; 39, but shows the parts in still different; positions;

Fig. 41 is a view of a portion of the parts illus-' trated in Fig. 34, but with the parts in clifierent relative positions, and corresponding to the position of the parts illustrated in Fig. 42;

Fig. 42 shows a portion ofthe apparatus il-, lustrated in Figs. 29, 39 and 40, but with the parts in different relative positions; I

Fig. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the parts illustrated in Fig. 34, but with the parts in different positions, .corresponding to the position of the parts shown in Fig. 39 or 40,.and is taken on the line 43-43 of Fig. 44;

Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 44-44 of Fig. 43;

Fig. 45 is across-sectional view taken on the line 45-45 of Fig. 29;

view taken on the line Bl-ii of Fig. 11; and

Fig. 52 is a top view of the device shown in Fig. 51.

The main frame The main frame, which is illustrated in .top view in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and a portion of Fig. 4, and in cross-section in Figs. 8, 9, 10, and a portion of Fig. 11, is of a length equal to the longest coil 'whichit is desired to manufacture by the machine, plus'the length of the fin depositing carriage, and of a clamping device. Figs. 1 through 7 and .8 through 14 are respectively continuations of each other. That is, by abutting Figs. 1 through 7 a complete top view of the entire frame is obtained. The main frame is preferably made of structural steel and includes a pair of parallel angles I which are suitably secured to a floor or other foundation. Secured to angles I00 at suitable intervals are vertically extending channels I02. Corresponding channels I02 on opposite sides of the frame are connected by crossangles I04 9. shortdistance above the floor, and similar cross-angles I06 near their upper ends. Extending longitudinally of the frame and secured to the inner sides of channels I02 are angles I08 and H0. Mounted on the horizontal leg of angle I00 is a member I I2 having a rack II4 extending along one side of its'upper surface and a track I I6 extending parallel to the rack. Angle I I0 carries a track I I8.

Secured to the horizontal flanges of angles I06 in any suitable manner, as by welding, are pairs and 22), the inner ends of which are spaced apart to leave a space I24. Supported on blocks I20 and I22 are longitudinally extending plates I26 and I28. These plates have secured thereto, as by welding, longitudinally extending angles I30 and I32. The plates are adjustable in a The purpose of this clamping device will be explained later in the description of the operation of the machine.

The comb sections I40 are clampedv in place by means of clamping devices shown in Figs. 4. 11,

21, and 23. There is one clamping device for the comb sections supported by angles I30 and a similar clamping device for thecomb section supported by angles I32. Each clamping device in .of blocks I and I22 (see particularly Figs. 18

transverse direction so as to permit variation in the space between the angles. For this purpose the plates and the horizontal flanges of the angles are provided with transverse slots I34 through whichextend bolts I36 which are anchored in the angles I06 and the blocks I20 or 122. Bolts I36 are provided with wing nuts I88 which may be tightened against the horizontal flanges of angles I and, I32 to retain these angles in desired positions. The plates and angles carried thereby are of equal length, which is approximately the distance between adjacent chanf nels I02. The upwardly extending flanges of angles I30 and I32 are slightly inclined outwardly from the vertical and serve to support comb sections I40. Each section is comparatively short and is provided on its outer side adjacent to each end with a bracket I42 which is adapted to embrace the outer surface of the vertical flanges on angles I30 or I32. Each of these brackets is formed with a recess I44 adapted to receive pins I46 which protrude outwardly from the vertical flanges of angles I30 and I32- The inner faces of. combs I are formed with equally spaced fgrooves I40. Due to the inclination of the flanges of angles I30 and I32, opposite comb sections are further apart at the top than at the bottom. The spacing of these grooves is the same as the closest spacing desired of the flns on the coil which is to be manufactured by the machine. If desired, a plurality of sets of comb sections having different groove spacings may be provided. g

An angle I10 is secured transversely between the left toward the right in Figs. 1 and 8. Bolted to the horizontal flange of angle I10 is a member cludes a forked member I62 having parallel 'spaced legs I64 and I66, which are adaptedto straddle the vertical flanges of angles I30 and I32. The outer leg I64 is provided with a vertically extending slot I68 which slides over one of the pins I46 carried by the flanges. The inner'leg I66 carries a pin I on which is rotatably mounted a cam I62, which may be rotated by means of a handle I64. Secured to the upper end of member I62 is an arm I66, the opposite end of which is formed with a slot I68 adapted to engage another of the pins I46. When the clamping device is in the position shown particularly in Fig. 21, the cam I62 contacts the end of the lastcomb section I40 and, if the handle I64 is raised, the cam tends to displace the comb section to the left. The ends of the several comb sections are in contact with each other, and the end of the last comb section at the other end of the frame is in contact with thebearing plates I8I. Consequently, when the cam I62 is rotated in the above manner, it serves to clamp all of the comb sections together. The brackets I42 on the comb sections hold them in a vertical position and the pins I46, which engage within the move the sections, the cam I62 is rotated so as to loosen them, whereupon the clamping device may be removed by lifting it off the pins I46. Thereupon, the individual comb sections, starting at the right as viewed in the figures, may be slid a suflicient distance to the right so that the pins I46 are no longer disposed within the recess 144 in the brackets I42, whereupon each comb section may be lifted off. If it is not desired to make use of the entire length of the machine, only a" portion of the total number of comb sections need be used, and the clamping device for the comb sections may be placed anywhere along the flanges I30 and I32, that is, with the slots I68 and I68 of the clamping device in engagetion between cross angles I04 and I06 are addithe second pair of channels I02, counting from I16 (Figs. 1, 20) in plate I16. The cam is formed witha handle I for rotating it.v Plate I16 is formed with an abutment I18. Bearing plates "I are secured to the ends ofplates I12 and I' l6 ment with any adjacent pair of pins I46.

Secured to opposite channels I02 at an elevational cro'ss angles I82 to which are bolted bearings I84 for a longitudinally extending shaft I86. Shaft I86 is made'in two sections which may be joined together by means of 'a coupling I88 shown in Fig. 10. The coupling comprises a sleeve which is permanently secured to one section of the shaft by means of a fixed pin I80 and may be-secured to the other section by means of a removablepin I02. A chain I94 is preferably provided for preventing loss of the pin I92 when it is removed from the coupling so as to disconnect the two portions of the shaft.

Extending vertically from the cross angles I82 are pairs of spaced angles I06. The upper ends of the pair of angles I96 adjacent tothe left hand end of the frame,,as viewed in the figures, are secured to cross angle I10, as is shown in Figs. 1, 8, 15, 16 and 18. Theupper' ends of the remaining pairs of vertical angles I06 are secured to cross angles I06 as is shown, for instance, in Fig. 10. -vertical angles I06 carry 

